The end result was awesome, I have a very nice (but heavy) lid that is perfectly square. Square turned out to be my next issue, fitted the lid to the trailer and found that it really highlighted how out of square my trailer box is. Granted, each side is within a 1/4" of square, but it is off enough that my keyed latches would not work. Now to get some washers to try and shim everything square.

Sorry for the rant, but to those currently building a box, please learn from my pain... a 1/4" out of square is a lot once you try to build the lid.

I had the same problem. Mine was within a 1/4" as well, and when I went to weld on the life...well, you know what happened. As it was my first lid (and trailer for that matter) I went ahead and made a bar to hold the hinges and welded away. Lesson learned. And I even measure twice, etc. My problem was I was welding corners and I thought I could get away with a little bit off. No go charlie. So, I feel your pain.

Anyone have any experience on how often you should grease the hubs? I have the 12" tires on mine. I repacked using a marine grade grease back when I built the trailer. It has been on one camping trip, a little less than 150 miles round trip. I am about to leave on a 350 mile trip. I assume that I should be fine, but how often should I be applying grease?

Finally got my tailgate latches! Put those on the back tailgate and everything is solid. No rattles when driving. Next up is to figure out tarp tie-down points until I figure out a "shutter" type lid. And also need to mount spare tire and water jugs. Maybe get some rotopax.

As far as tarp tie-down points, may I suggest replacing the bolts attaching the slats second from the top with some eye-bolts? Worked for me (first picture).

When I first got my trailer, I mounted the spare on the tongue (see second picture). It was a simple "U" type bracket that only cost a few bucks at Harbor Freight. Later when I got the larger tires in the five-bolt pattern I used a YJ/TJ type tailgate spare tire holder and mounted it to the trailer (and had the tire resting on the trailer tongue too as shown in first picture).

As far as tarp tie-down points, may I suggest replacing the bolts attaching the slats second from the top with some eye-bolts? Worked for me (first picture).

When I first got my trailer, I mounted the spare on the tongue (see second picture). It was a simple "U" type bracket that only cost a few bucks at Harbor Freight. Later when I got the larger tires in the five-bolt pattern I used a YJ/TJ type tailgate spare tire holder and mounted it to the trailer (and had the tire resting on the trailer tongue too as shown in first picture).

Thanks Sahara. And thank you Army for the info on the eye-bolts and can holders. I'm going to head out to the Depot and get the bolts today and research a little more on the water jugs and spare. Maybe for aesthetic purposes I'll mount the tire on the inside of the box for now; however, that more than likely won't last long due to the already limited space inside. I will also need to fab a little storage box to hold tools and whatnot and that I will more than likely be placed inside as well.

Thanks Sahara. And thank you Army for the info on the eye-bolts and can holders. I'm going to head out to the Depot and get the bolts today and research a little more on the water jugs and spare. Maybe for aesthetic purposes I'll mount the tire on the inside of the box for now; however, that more than likely won't last long due to the already limited space inside. I will also need to fab a little storage box to hold tools and whatnot and that I will more than likely be placed inside as well.

I just mounted an ammo can on my trailer's tongue to hold a spare hub, bearings, lug nuts, paperwork, and misc. trailer stuff; you could really mount one anywhere you have a flat surface on your trailer. Or like you said keep inside so you can remove it when you want.

As far as mounting the spare tire, how about mounting it on the front like I did (pictures in posts above), but rest the tire on the lip of the trailer frame, and get two long 1/2" bolts & fender washers, drill two holes through your boards (one above and one below) to line up with two opposing bolt-holes on the rim, and bolt the tire up flush against the outside front of your trailer's box? If you ever get larger wheels and tires the holes would be easy enough to plug (1/2" diameter wooden dowel cut 3/4" long & tapped in and then stained/varnished over).

Or you could get an 8"x2" board scrap and cut it square (7.5" x 7.5") to use as a spacer between the wheel and the trailer box if you wanted to move the spare out so the tire rested on the trailer tongue if you wanted some space between the tire and box (if having it flush would cause interference with your lid project or securing a tarp around the perimeter).

Or since you've just got the 12" rim and tire, how about a mounting it underneath the trailer on the back half? Same concept with 1/2" long bolts and large fender washers, but drill the holes in the floor. You could have it up flush with the underneath of the flooring. I'd use four bolts if I went this route. It would definitely be out of the way and out of sight.

Finally got my tailgate latches! Put those on the back tailgate and everything is solid. No rattles when driving. Next up is to figure out tarp tie-down points until I figure out a "shutter" type lid. And also need to mount spare tire and water jugs. Maybe get some rotopax.

As far as mounting the spare tire, how about mounting it on the front like I did (pictures in posts above), but rest the tire on the lip of the trailer frame, and get two long 1/2" bolts & fender washers, drill two holes through your boards (one above and one below) to line up with two opposing bolt-holes on the rim, and bolt the tire up flush against the outside front of your trailer's box?

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking too. I'm going to put it off for a few days since my garage will be in full use while I service my Jeeps. I'll be sure to post up some pics once I'm done with the next phase of the trailer project.

For those of you that have replaced the stock tongue with full length square tubing. How did you attach the tubing to the frame? Did you run a bolt all the way through from top to bottom? Did you somehow fish a nut through the tubing? How did you do it? Thanks

I'm feeling the same way. I guess now it will be time to load it up and enjoy it.

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switters88 and Sahara707 -- Don't worry guys, the project never ends unless and until you want it to! Enjoy!

I finally got back to patching mine up this weekend. Bought some 2" angle steel that I have cut, drilled, primered. Just need to paint today then it's ready for reassemble. I'll post pics when I have it back together.

Switters -- Your trailer looks great! I notice you're in Colorado. Probably too late but just FYI, Murdochs sells fasteners by the pound (up to grade 5 anyway) and they seem to be MUCH cheaper than Home Depot.

Sahara -- Your looks great as well. Looking forward to seeing pics from both of you out on the trail!